Preventing Q Fever in the Australian Agriculture Sector

Overview

Our medical advisors assisted the largest agricultural company in Australia, deeply intertwined with the nation's agricultural heritage, by providing a comprehensive Q fever screening and vaccination program for over 500 employees at one of their remote sites. Ensuring the agricultural workers' safety and wellbeing was paramount.

Problem

Q fever poses a significant risk to agricultural workers, causing lung, heart, and liver problems, which can severely impact their ability to work. Given the prevalence of Q fever in Australia, a targeted workplace vaccination program was essential to prevent the disease and ensure workforce health and productivity.

Solution

We deployed a medical director and a project manager/registered nurse to the organization’s remote cattle stations in northern Australia. They conducted the employee health initiative that included a thorough screening program for immunity, followed by a vaccination initiative. This included:

• Infectious disease management
• Vaccination program management
• Rapid mobilization of on-ground health services

International SOS has been an invaluable partner in addressing our health and safety needs. Their deployment of medical experts, along with their comprehensive testing and vaccination program, has significantly improved our employee wellbeing and minimised operational disruptions.

– Remote Site HSE Manager 

Impact

The vaccination program mitigated the risk of Q fever, resulting in a 25% reduction in absenteeism, improved workforce productivity, and savings in healthcare expenditures. These benefits have enabled a healthier and more productive workforce, enhancing operational efficiency and overall organisational resilience. The program has bolstered the organization's reputation for prioritizing employee wellbeing and practising responsible agricultural management.